Vaishravana
- the God of Wealth - is seated upon a white snow lion. His
large, rounded body is golden-yellow
in color and his expression stern. In his right hand he holds a
banner of victory and in his left a mongoose, an animal associated
with good fortune, which is shown vomiting jewels.
Vaishravana is also known as
Jambhala and in addition to being a
god of wealth is also the Guardian King of the North. In this aspect
he is often depicted on the outer walls of monasteries and temples,
together with the three other protectors of the cardinal directions,
as a safeguard against harmful
interference.

Mention has already been made of the popularity of this wealth deity
and of the beneficial uses to which wealth can be put. But it is
important to emphasize that even when one's wealth and possessions are
being used for noble purposes, it is
still the underlying motivation that determines whether such acts of
generosity are truly meritorious or not.